CLASS 7 SCIENCE NOTES
Chapter 11: LIGHT
1. Light (Definition):
Light is a form of energy which enables us to see objects around us when it is reflected from them
into our eyes.
2. Rectilinear Propagation of Light (Definition):
The property of light to travel in a straight line is called rectilinear propagation of light.
Example: A candle flame can be seen through a straight pipe but not through a bent pipe.
3. Reflection of Light (Definition):
Reflection of light is the change in direction of light when it strikes a polished or shiny surface.
Examples: Mirror, shiny spoon, water surface.
Mirror (Definition):
A mirror is a smooth and polished surface that reflects light regularly.
4. Image (Definition):
An image is the likeness of an object formed by reflection of light from a mirror or refraction through
a lens.
5. Plane Mirror (Definition):
A plane mirror is a flat reflecting surface which forms an erect, virtual image of the same size as the
object.
Characteristics of Image Formed by Plane Mirror:
• Image is virtual and erect
• Image is of the same size as object
• Image is formed at the same distance behind the mirror
• Lateral inversion occurs (left-right reversal)
Virtual Image (Definition):
An image that cannot be obtained on a screen is called a virtual image.
Example: Image formed by plane mirror.
Real Image (Definition):
An image that can be obtained on a screen is called a real image.
Example: Image formed by concave mirror or convex lens.
6. Lateral Inversion (Definition):
The interchange of left and right sides in the image formed by a plane mirror is called lateral
inversion.
Example: The word AMBULANCE is written reversed on vehicles.
7. Spherical Mirror (Definition):
A mirror whose reflecting surface is a part of a sphere is called a spherical mirror.
Concave Mirror (Definition):
A spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is curved inward is called a concave mirror.
Examples: Dentist mirror, torch reflector.
Convex Mirror (Definition):
A spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is curved outward is called a convex mirror.
Examples: Rear view mirrors of vehicles.
Uses of Concave Mirror:
• Used by doctors and dentists
• Used in headlights and torches
Uses of Convex Mirror:
• Used as side view mirrors
• Helps see a large area
8. Lens (Definition):
A lens is a transparent piece of glass or plastic bounded by two surfaces which refracts light.
Convex Lens (Definition):
A lens thicker at the center and thinner at the edges is called a convex lens.
It is also called a converging lens.
Example: Magnifying glass.
Concave Lens (Definition):
A lens thinner at the center and thicker at the edges is called a concave lens.
It is also called a diverging lens.
Images Formed by Convex Lens:
• Can be real or virtual
• Can be magnified or diminished
Images Formed by Concave Lens:
• Always virtual, erect and smaller
9. Magnifying Glass (Definition):
A magnifying glass is a convex lens used to see enlarged images of small objects.
10. Sunlight (Definition):
Sunlight is white light which is a mixture of seven colours.
Colours of White Light:
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet (VIBGYOR).
11. Dispersion of Light (Definition):
The splitting of white light into seven colours on passing through a prism is called dispersion of light.
Example: Rainbow, prism experiment.
12. Rainbow (Definition):
A rainbow is a natural spectrum of sunlight appearing in the sky due to dispersion and reflection of
sunlight by water droplets.
13. Prism (Definition):
A prism is a transparent glass object with flat surfaces that refracts and disperses light.
14. Newton’s Disc (Definition):
A disc painted with seven colours of spectrum which appears white when rotated fast is called
Newton’s disc.
Conclusion:
Light plays an important role in our daily life. By studying reflection, mirrors, lenses and colours of
light, we understand how images are formed and how vision works.